Beyond Your Eyes: Health Problems That an Eye Exam Can Detect
Many patients at Oakland Optometry in Rochester Hills are surprised to learn just how much we can tell about your overall health through a comprehensive eye exam. There is the saying that your eyes are the window to your soul, but they are also windows to the rest of your body. When you schedule your annual comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Mark Roy of Oakland Optometry, he can not only diagnose a variety of vision related issues, but your eyes can give Dr. Roy clues to other health issues as well.
Vision Disorders
It’s common knowledge that an annual comprehensive eye exam will help you monitor slow changes to your vision. You may not realize that your eye sight has changed, but with our eye exam equipment, Dr. Roy can quickly determine if you need a new pair of glasses or contact lenses. Other vision related disorders that Dr. Roy can diagnose from your eye exam include:
- Glaucoma – the result of damage to the optic nerve. This damage is often caused by increased fluid pressure inside of the eye, pressing on the optic nerve. There are a few types of glaucoma with different symptoms. Glaucoma tends to run in families, so if you know a member of your immediate family has glaucoma, it’s important to have your eyes checked.
- Cataracts – the most common cause of vision loss for individuals over the age of 55. The signs of a cataract are cloudy vision, halos around lights and colors that seem less vivid.
- Other Retinal Problems – retinal detachment is the most common problem with your retina. If a retinal detachment is diagnosed promptly, it can be repaired. Failure to repair a detached retina can result in vision loss.
Other Health Problems
Many common health problems that have nothing to do with your eyes can manifest obvious signs and symptoms in your eyes. Often, a patient will come to see Dr. Roy for their annual eye exam, and he may recommend that they see a specialist or make an appointment with their primary care doctor, to have a thorough health physical. The health issues that Dr. Roy can detect through an eye exam include:
- Diabetes – Diabetes can affect the small capillaries in your eye’s retina. They may leak blood or a yellowish fluid into the eye. If Dr. Roy notices this condition inside of your eye, he may recommend that you have your blood sugar checked.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) – can also affect the way blood flows around your eyes. Blood vessels in your eyes may show kinks, bends or tears, indicating high blood pressure.
- Autoimmune disorders – things like lupus or rheumatic diseases can be detected in your eyes if Dr. Roy notices swelling or inflammation. These diseases cause your immune system to attack parts of your body. Your eyes are just as susceptible to these diseases, as other parts of your body.
- High cholesterol – yellowing of the cornea is a good indication of high cholesterol, and your retina may have signs of plaque in its blood vessels.
- Thyroid disease – one of the primary indicators of thyroid disease is bulging or protruding eyeballs, also known as Graves Disease.
- Cancer – if your eye structures don’t look quite right, you may be referred to a specialist to check your eye for cancer. Types of cancer common in or around your eye include; ocular melanoma, skin cancer and basal cell carcinomas.
- Tumors – tumors in the neck or aneurisms can be indicated by a droopy eyelid or an irregularly shaped pupil.
Dr. Mark Roy of Oakland Optometry takes your health seriously. While he focuses on your vision health, he also wants to help you maintain complete wellness. It’s important to Dr. Roy to help you not only see better but to get you to the right specialist if he finds another issue.
For More Information Health Problems That an Eye Exam Can Detect
If you are looking for a great optometrist in Rochester Hills for your entire family, Dr. Mark Roy of Oakland Optometry can care for all of your family’s vision care needs. To schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Roy at (248) 373-6500.